Sherry Stringfield quits 'ER'

Sherry Stringfield has decided not to return for the 12th season of ER.

The actress, who plays Susan Lewis on the NBC medical drama, originally left the show in 1997, but returned four years later. However, it now seems that she will be hanging up her stethoscope for good.

"I am extremely grateful for the time I spent on ER," Stringfield explained. "It is a wonderful show, and there are so many people I will miss. But I'm ready for new roles and new challenges."

Stringfield follows in the footsteps of Noah Wyle, who left the show at the end of the last season.